Steroids/laminitis

[trailpixie]

Just wanted to get a view on the use of steroids.

My horse has been very itchy to the point where he is itching so much he's got bald patches and breaks the skin. Whilst a vet from a practice I don't normally use was up viewing another horse on our yard I booked for her to look at mine.

She didn't come up with a definitive diagnosis but has taken some hair samples, given me some shampoo and prescribed some steroids to reduce the itchiness. She has warned me that the steroids might bring on laminitis, but it's not something she's ever seen before. I am feeling a bit unsure about this - I thought steroids were a last resort (for any medical condition) and as she has never seen my horse before I think this is perhaps a bit of an over-prescription.

Anyone got a view on this?

Thanks

 

[Dougie]

seems fair enough, wteriods are frequently used in horses at a safe dose....just watch for signs of lami

 

[GTs]

There is a small risk of laminitis when using steriods - it is one of those things that they have to mention as it can happen, however I have never seen a case of steriod induced laminitis. If it was my horse I would not hesitate for it to have a steriod injection.

 

[TGM]

I do know someone who's horse developed laminitis immediately after the use of steroids, so personally I would be very cautious about using them. Would really be a last resort for me after every avenue has been tried.

 

[Jemayni]

As TGM, I also new someone whose horse developed laminitis; he is 20 but was in light work at the time, but since the laminitis he has not worked again! The vet only used it as a very last resort, if he had not had the treatment he would have been pts anyway, and I think the odds are like 1/100 get laminitus after the treatment - so for me it would be last resort.

 

[Patricksmum]

I know of at least 2 horses in our lane that went down with steroid induced laminitis. Personally I would never allow my horse to be treated with steroids.

 

[Tia]

Neither would I. I've also known a few horses who have come down with SI Lami. Not worth the risk in my opinion.

 

[GTs]

I wonder if there is a difference in steriods, doses, or some external factor that makes it more prominent in certain regions?

 

[Tia]

Could be. Perhaps some vets tend to prescribe long-acting steroids in which case the incidence of laminitis could be increased. Or perhaps in these areas the horses are already living in an area where they run a thin line between developing lami anyway and the steroids could just be the kick-start needed. Who knows.....theories, theories!

 

[MarthaRodman1]

MM, I'd be v cautious about the steroids. Is your Pony susceptable to Lam? The Pony in the stable next door to my boy was prescribed steroid for a lung/liver infection about 5 weeks ago - the vet asked if he was prone to Lami and the owner's said yes he is. They prescribed the steriods and said any signs, take him straight off them - well need less to say that he developed Lami a couple days after taking them - he's been off them for 4 weeks now and is still crippled with it. The vet has now been back and bandaged up his feet with some putty, stop his feet collapsing and the pedal bone moving I believe - and he managed to get him cast on Tues too after the vet had been!

Anyway, not wanting to scare you - sorry! Why not try the shampoo first and see how you go, then if still no joy perhaps try the steriods then!

Good luck

Mx